Air quality report card, Auckland area 2016

Quick facts

The social cost from air pollution in Auckland is estimated to be $1.10 billion each year

Around 260 premature deaths in Auckland occur each year due to air pollution

Compared to many other international cities, Auckland has relatively clean air

The amount of PM10 emitted into the air each day is equivalent to 200 bags of cement

Monitoring sites

What causes our air pollution?

Most air pollution comes from burning fuels such as diesel, petrol, wood, gas and oil. The burning process releases chemicals and small particles (particulates) into the air that are harmful to humans, lead to brown hazes and cause unpleasant odours.

In summer, transport is the biggest cause of air pollution, but in winter, home heating is the biggest problem; in fact, the amount of PM10 (tiny solid and liquid particles) in the air is tripled. This is mainly caused by the wood burners many of us use to heat our homes.

PM10 and PM2.5 particles

PM10 are particles less than 10 microns in diameter and PM2.5 particles are less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles come from human activities, such as burning fuels and natural sources, including sea spray (salt) and pollen.

Each year about 3000 tonnes of PM10 is emitted into Auckland’s air.

In Auckland, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations sometimes exceed air quality targets. Over the years, the average concentrations of PM10 have decreased, but PM2.5 concentrations have remained relatively stable. This reduction is the result of advances in industrial and vehicle technology and better fuel standards.

Of the air pollutants that we measure, the levels of fine particles are still of most concern; fine particulates are easily inhaled and can lodge deep in the lungs where they adversely affect human health.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

In Auckland, vehicles are the main source of nitrogen dioxides with concentrations at peak traffic sites exceeding air quality targets. Although the amount of NO2 in the air is declining, levels are still of concern and cause adverse health problems.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can irritate the lungs, increasing susceptibility to asthma and lowering resistance to respiratory infections. Long-term exposure to low levels of NO2 can affect lung growth in children and cause damage to plants.

A brown haze over Auckland

Auckland Council monitors a variety of air quality parameters and potential pollution sources at 10 sites across the region to gain a picture of our air quality.

Monitoring has been carried out for many years, so we can understand how air quality changes over time.

A clear day (left) compared to a winter’s morning (right) where poor air quality is causing a clearly visible brown haze.